The CU8890 USB-to-WLAN adapter permits wireless integration of Industrial PCs into an Ethernet network. The DIN rail mounted WLAN box complies with rigorous industrial standards making it well-suited for use in harsh manufacturing environments—making it electromagnetically compatible.

The CU8890 supports the WLAN standard IEEE 802.11 b/g. An integrated DIN rail adapter allows convenient installation in control cabinets. When connected to an Industrial PC with USB port, the controller facilitates the fieldbus-neutral exchange of all UDP/TCP-based data and can be used both as an access point and as a client. Client drivers are available for Windows XP, Embedded Standard and Windows CE and, therefore, for all Beckhoff Industrial PC and Embedded PC series. Software drivers for Windows XP and Embedded Standard make it possible for the CU8890 to also be operated as an access point.

The CU8890 features a reverse SMA plug, to which various radio antennas to suit the respective environment can be attached. Beckhoff offers a complete range of antennas and cables for the most diverse applications and conditions. Depending on ambient conditions, the free-field distance between two CU8890 modules may be up to 984-ft (300 m). The user can choose between 11 channels in the 2.4 GHz band, to adhere to country-specific regulations where necessary.